Trade With Hand Collated

I'm still pretty behind in posting trades and Ebay purchases, but I'm still plugging away. Typically I would also show more than just one scan but the cards have already been integrated into the collection and I was plain old just too lazy to scan them in. So, with that being said, I present my trade with Scott from Hand Collated.

In addition to Mr. Schmidt, Scott also sent the following cards:

1987 Topps: 355, 443, 553, 702

1988 Topps: 38, 398, 406, 494, 572, 669, 731, 756

1988 Donruss: 207

2007 Topps: 504

2007 Topps Red Back: 504

2009 Topps Walmart: 44, 73

2009 Topps Heritage: 140

2009 Upper Deck: 291, 293, 298

2009 Topps: 103, 191, 397, 650, RH51

And a card of a hockey goalie that my daughter was super happy to receive and has since been put into her special box of cards.

Thanks again, Scott, I've got some cards set aside to send out to you. And if you haven't already, check out Hand Collated.

Recently Acquired Cards, part 2

I have a rapidly growing pile of cards sitting on my table that need to be accounted for, scanned, badly blogged about and put away. This would account for why I am actually posting 2 days in a row (yay, me!). Hopefully it's the start of a trend because even if no one actually reads my post it is very cathartic for me. No one in my house wants to hear about cards -- even my husband who does try his hardest to be interested. This is my outlet. Any way...

Mr. Night Owl himself sent me a nice stack of cards and all it cost me was some lousy Dodgers that were collecting dust here in Phillies country.
I love flashy 90's cards. They make me giggle in a little girl kind of way -- but I digress. Greg was nice enough to send me some stupendously shiny cards. I love the Burell ornament. I think I have one somewhere, but now I have one for my collection and one for my Christmas tree! This just might push my husband over the edge. The mid-90's Metal sets are so tacky that I can't help but love them to pieces.
More old stuff -- less shiny, but appreciated none-the-less. Looking at these cards, I just noticed that the Upper Deck Steve Jeltz has a fabulous mid-air moment on the back that the ladies over at Dinged Corners would be sure to appreciate. Another casual observation -- if you squinch your eyes and look at George Vukovich he bears a slight resemblance to Jack Black.
My first 2 Topps variations. I believe this is the Target variation. If I may make a suggestion to Topps... I think they should print all their cards on this thicker stock. It makes for a much nicer card.
Some 2009 Upper Deck. Insert your own witty comment here, I got nothin'.
A couple of 09 Goudey. I still find these cards mildly unnerving. But any Schmidt is a good Schmidt, I always say. (Actually that is the first time I've ever said that and probably the last.)
Love these almost as much as the original 1960 set. Partly, I think, because of the nice thick stock. That's the second time this post I've mention cardboard quality -- most newer cards feel so flimsy and cheap. I don't like.
Shiny, gold, and Chase. In that order. 09 Bowman.
And, finally, a couple for the minor league binder. I have had the pleasure of seeing Vance pitch in AA Reading this season. If I make it to another game, I just might try to get this one signed.

Send some Dodgers Greg's way and stay tuned for more recently acquired cards.

Recently Acquired Cards, part 1

I love when cards I have sitting in a box in the corner finally find a home that will love and appreciate them in ways I never could. This recently happened with a stack of Red Sox cards that I happened to have sitting around. In return, I received quite an assortment from Adam over at Thoughts and Sox.

Like everyone who has eyes, I love the 1960 Topps set. I love it more when it has a Phillie on it.
Keeping with the trend, he also sent some nice "retro" type cards. I like the OPC set, and the Bowman Heritage is a set I wish they would have continued, but Goudey is a bit scary. Mr. Rollins is not nearly as bad as some of the art I've seen though.
Wow, a Bowman card from waaaay back in 1997. For the life of me I had no recollection of Ryan Brannan, so I turned to the ever faithful Baseball Cube for some info. Apparently Ryan spent 3 seasons in the Phil's farm system, making it as high as Scranton/Wilkes Barre (AAA). And now you know...and knowing is half the battle.
Some 2005 Topps...
...and a couple 2009 Upper Deck.

But wait, there's more.

A nice jersey for my 2004 Cracker Jack set and, what I believe is, my very first Phillies patch card -- a magnificent piece from Mr. Jim Thome.

Thanks again for the trade, Adam! And if any of you have spare Red Sox you want to part with, be sure to head over to Thoughts and Sox.

Last minute moves...

The Phils are making some last minute moves before Opening Day. Late Friday night they traded catcher Ronny Paulino to the Giants for lefty reliever Jack Taschner. Was this really a surprise to anyone, though? Paulino was traded away from Pittsburgh because of his weight issues and poor work ethic. Charlie Manuel denies this was his issue this spring, stating that they saw holes in his swing. This leaves the Phils with catcher Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste as backup. Hey, if it ain't broke...

They also released Marcus Giles instead of optioning him to the minors. According to the Phillies' website, this was done out of consideration for Giles since he wouldn't get the at-bats he needs at AAA Lehigh Valley. Well, Mr. Giles, we wish you the best of luck wherever you end up. Outfielder John Mayberry, Jr. and righty Carlos Carrasco were optioned out to the minors and righty Mike Koplove, IF Pablo Ozuna, and OF Jason Ellison were all informed they would not be making it onto the 25 man roster at this time.